Material world

3D printing has made its transition from simply a trend to something that is here to stay. Until recently, 3D printing was easily dismissed because it wasn’t relevant to individuals or the vast majority of companies. The ability to print something immediately — and in your home or office — was just a pipe dream. Even more, the idea of printing something for medical use was unheard of. Now, that’s all changed.

One development in particular has helped solidify 3D printing’s position as a game changer. A material has been specifically designed to improve functionality of personal, extrusion-based printers. Eastman Chemical Company, a specialty chemical company, and Helian Polymers, a key player in the masterbatch and biopolymer industry and brand owner of colorFabb, have teamed up to launch colorFabb XT-Copolyester made with Eastman Amphora 3D polymer.

ColorFabb XT-Copolyester focuses on functionality and features strength, workability, processing, aesthetics and low odour for 3D-printed products. The low-odour, styrene-free polymer is suited for the 3D market with benefits in air quality (it generates fewer ultra-fine particulates than ABS), dimensional stability – including temperature resistance to create functional parts, great layer bonding for reliable processing and great part finish, and chemical resistance for last good looks and performance – and regulatory compliance

Transforming 3D printing

The new material, says Eastman, is positioned to transform the 3D printing industry by bringing functionality to desktop printing. It has been designed to empower consumers to create strong, functional 3D products, while ensuring improved air quality and dimensional stability with a material that allows it to meet certain FDA requirements for use in food contact applications.

Through its functionality, colorFabb XT-Copolyester could change prototyping. Printers can now 3D print and test with materials similar to their end product, expediting the design process. According to Eastman, this expands the market for prototyping applications substantially, opening it up beyond top-tier companies that can afford the expensive machinery.

Alex Dudal, market development representative at Eastman, explains: “So far, the 3D sector has been limited to big, expensive machines that can work with more difficult materials. Now, we’re seeing a rise in desktop printers entering the market, which require a more workable material than commonly used ABS or PLA. This movement justifies a surge in materials specifically formulated for personal 3D printing. Materials like Eastman Amphora 3D polymer offer more capacity for these personal desktop printers to compete with the much more expensive offerings.”

The move to new markets

By making 3D printing more accessible, new markets — such as education and medical — can benefit from its capabilities. Educational institutions are already a part of the conversation, as many new desktop printers are going into schools. But with materials specifically created to meet their needs, many more schools eventually can be expected to have desktop printers.

The same goes for the medical field. The customisation of these materials makes 3D printing more accessible and allows users to think outside of its currently limited capabilities. Best of all, by providing support for affordable options, these materials will make 3D printing a possibility for health care institutions.

Looking to the future

This is only the beginning. Eastman says that the launch of this material specifically designed to address the challenges of desktop 3D printing will prompt similar developments for industry-specific and affordable options. The company says that large manufacturers, which have been dominating the 3D printing marketplace, are now going to see even more competition from smaller printers, print shops, and even individuals with single printer capabilities. Prototyping capabilities will expand extensively. Safety concerns, especially in regard to the medical field, will be addressed and 3D printing will only continue to grow.

“Based on the amount of people taking interest in 3D printing, from those interested in it for personal use to medical to educational, there’s bound to be more development — and quickly. The next big step for 3D printing is coming soon,” Dudal says. “New, better performing materials will push the 3D printing industry beyond its current exclusivity. Eventually, the vast majority of people could be using 3D printers in some capacity, especially those who touch product design, or who are in the educational or medical fields.”